Angora Goat

How long do angoras live? Do they need special care as they age?

In our flock, it is not uncommon for our girls to go 9-11 years- undoubtedly we could push them longer, but they do not stay unless they can put kids on the ground. Best suggestion is keep on top of their body score and adjust your feeding program accordingly. If you have several, this could mean seperating the geriatrics from the rest of the flock for TLC.

What vaccinations does an angora need? What about worming?

Tetanus and overeating (this is 1 shot combined) once per year, the kids get 2 doeses a few weeks apart and then once annually. Worming at least 4 times per year, kids we worm every month up until 6 months, every two months until a year. Also, we keep a coccistat in the feed for the kids to prevent coccidia (you won't have to worry about this with adults though).

Are angoras good for brush clearing?

Angora goats are indeed excellent brush clearers and weed eaters. A few years ago when we moved to Ohio we rented a pasture that was absolutely covered in multi-flora rose bushes as tall as I am (5'9"). After two grazing seasons the roses were almost totally gone along with all the other burs, weeds etc. The lighter the stocking rate the longer it will take them to take down any existing browse, but they will with time.

I read that Angoras are "delicate" and have trouble with cold, wet weather. Have you found this to be true?

First, let me premise this by saying I have raised angoras several very cold, wet climates and experienced no difficulty. The only time that an angora is particularly susceptible to cold/wet is the three weeks after shearing. If they do not have shelter during this time and are submitted to a cold wet rain or sleet they will have trouble, but if they have access to shelter, they will do fine. The cold/wet issue after shearing is really a greater one for large herds in Texas, Montana, Idaho, where they don't have access to shelter on range and a storm can blow in before the herd can be brought to shelter... in Midwestern farm flocks you can see this wouldn't be a problem--as most are no more than a few hundred yards from shelter at any time.

Can you milk angoras?

No! Angoras are the most efficient fiber producing animals on earth, producing up to 25% of their own body weight in fiber annually. They raise wonderful kids, beautiful fiber, but sorry, not enough extra milk for you too. If you are looking for a goat to provide milk, choose one of the many dairy breeds.